As The Stranger Appeared

Lit dimly by a single light
Chaotic sounds fill the night
Smells reflecting the edge of death
Grasping the throat, stifling every breath
Hands touching emptiness at every step
Along this path the stranger crept

Headed down this path, unclear
Is where self took a look in the mirror
The reflection though dimly lit
Is where self met the bottom of the pit

Upon the ground lay pieces of me
Disjointed and confused by reality
The stranger took the pieces one by one
Looked deep inside every one

Placing each piece where it was meant to be
Created an image I've longed to see
There in the pit of hell
I came to see myself so well

Though roughly shaped and scarred by shame
Each piece was placed on a heavenly plane
The stranger took another look at me
And smiled when he saw what I was meant to be

For the light began to shine
As the pieces created an image divine
A miracle took place that day
When the stranger looked my way

The light danced radiantly off my face
Shouts of joy filled this place
The smell of new birth filled the air
Tasting success as I learn to care

Touching the diamond the stranger compiled
He introduced me to myself.....
and the stranger smiled.

by Jennifer Schwartz 1998